Matt Randall’s milestone

Monday

Feb 4, 2013 at 3:15 AM

DOVER – The Dover Chamber was pleased to recognize Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academy for reaching a 25 year milestone for their business.

In 1985, during his junior year at UNH, Matt Randall never imagined that he would take over a martial arts business. Matt, a Political Science major, had a passion for the martial arts. While a student, he taught TaeKwonDo classes four nights a week. After graduation he began a career in insurance and also coached the UNH Debate Team.

In 1987, he would partner with Dick Perrault to start the Academy; Dick would later leave to pursue other interests. Matt assumed the studio, and 25 years later, Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academy continues to grow.

Over the years Matt has taught thousands of students. He often reminisces about his first group of 4 year olds, 22 years ago. To this day, Matt maintains friendships with several students of years past, including several students who went on to win U.S. National TaeKwonDo Championships, and a student who went to West Point Military Academy and became a nuclear physicist who now flies Apache helicopters.

Parents rave about the positive aspects Matt brings into their lives. Students behavior improves both at home and in school as well as learning respect, and discipline. They learn how to change negative habits to positive ones, how to strengthen their mental focus, and how to work towards becoming a true leader.

One grandmother at the studio said, “I see so many families that have limited activities for themselves and their children. Matt has endless activities. We watch the students get into great shape, do public service, raise money for charity, and spend time with their families. I recommend sitting in on a class to see the self-esteem and anti-bullying lessons that are taught.”

Matt is much more than a local businessman, Matt is a gold medal winner. One of his greatest successes was having competed and qualified for the U.S. TaeKwonDo World Championships three times, Montreal (1989), first Soviet World Championships (1990) and most recently the 8th World Championship Korea (1992) where he won his gold medal.

Matt is a very modest man when talking about his gold medal. His greatest pride comes when he speaks about his family. His wife Kaz, holds a black belt, and their six children all train at the Academy. Son, MacKenzie, 17, holds a 2nd degree black belt, the others are working towards their own goals. Matt’s passion continues to burn strong after 25 years. He hopes to continue to grow the business, perhaps expanding to more locations to accommodate more students.

To learn more about Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academy, please visit www.mrbba.com. Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academy is located at 4 Broadway, Dover, NH 03820. You can reach them by calling (603) 743-6500.

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit association of businesses, professionals, individuals, and organizations working together to advance the economic well-being of its members and the community. For details on Dover Chamber membership and other programs or for a schedule of activities, please call the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce at 603-742-2218, e-mail info@dovernh.org, or visit www.dovernh.org.